A-Rod ends postseason hitless streak

Alex Rodriguez’s RBI single last night was a long time coming. The New York tabloids have been rough on this guy, but when it comes to his postseason hitting, it’s all fair. Before his single in the fifth inning, A-Rod had not gotten a hit with runners on base in 29 at-bats (a postseason record), or since the 2004 ALCS. He had not gotten a hit with runners in scoring position in 19 at-bats, and he had only driven in one RBI in his previous 44 at-bats.

Here’s how last night stacked up with A-Rod’s other playoff series debuts (since joining the Yankees):

2009 vs. Minnesota: 2-4, 1 RBI

2007 vs. Cleveland: 0-2

2006 vs. Detroit: 1-4

2005 vs. Anaheim: 0-3

2004 vs. Boston: 2-5

2004 vs. Minnesota: 2-4

Statistically, last night was the best start to a series in Rodriguez’s time with the pinstripes. He’s off to a good start, but of course, it’s not how you start -- it’s how you finish. If he goes another five years without a hit with runners in scoring position, you know people aren’t going to be kind to him.